What is the executor fee in Georgia?

Georgia sets executor compensation by statute (O.C.G.A. § 53-6-60(b)(1)-(4) ("Two and one-half percent commission on all sums of money received by the personal representative on account of the estate...and 2 1/2 percent commission on all sums paid out"; "Ten percent commission on the amount of interest made"; up to 3% of appraised value for delivery of property in kind; up to 10% of annual income for working land) (Verified 2026-07-14)). The fee schedule is based on the gross value of the estate. Executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the statutory schedule provides the default.

Is a surety bond required for executors in Georgia?

Georgia requires executors to post a surety bond (O.C.G.A. § 53-6-50(a),(c) ("any person who seeks to qualify to serve as the personal representative of an intestate estate or as a temporary administrator shall be required to give bond"; such a PR "may be relieved from the requirement for giving bond by the unanimous consent of the heirs of the estate") (Verified 2026-07-14); § 53-6-53 (PR qualified to serve without bond may still be ordered to give bond on a showing of mismanagement) (Verified 2026-07-14)). The bond requirement can be waived in the will or by court order. The typical annual bond premium is approximately 0.5% of the estate value. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.

What does an executor do in Georgia?

An executor in Georgia is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-12 months on average (O.C.G.A. § 7-1-239 (bank deposit affidavit), § 53-2-40 (no administration necessary), § 53-5-15/§ 53-5-16 (common/solemn form probate), § 53-6-50 (bond), § 53-6-53 (bond on mismanagement), § 53-6-60 (executor commission), § 53-7-1(b)/§ 53-7-33/§ 53-7-69 (unsupervised administration), § 53-7-6 (attorney fees), § 53-7-41 (creditor claims/publication)). The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Georgia?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Georgia probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (O.C.G.A. § 53-7-6(4) (PR authorized "to provide competent legal counsel for the estate...either the personal representative or the attorney employed may, by petition to the probate court...obtain a judgment fixing the attorney's fees and expenses"; no statutory percentage) (Verified 2026-07-14)). Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

What is the Georgia statutory executor fee schedule?

The Georgia statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 5% on amounts above $0 (O.C.G.A. § 53-6-60(b)(1)-(4) ("Two and one-half percent commission on all sums of money received by the personal representative on account of the estate...and 2 1/2 percent commission on all sums paid out"; "Ten percent commission on the amount of interest made"; up to 3% of appraised value for delivery of property in kind; up to 10% of annual income for working land) (Verified 2026-07-14)). The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate. Extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as approved by the court.

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Georgia?

Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.

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Estate Value

Total value of estate assets before debts. Executor fees are calculated on gross value.

Calculate executor compensation

Select your state and enter the estate value to see what an executor can charge.

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Executor fees (also called personal representative compensation) are calculated on gross estate value. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Executors may waive their fee. Family members serving as executor often do so without compensation. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia sets executor compensation by statute. The fee schedule is based on the gross value of the estate. Executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the statutory schedule provides the default.

Yes. Executors in Georgia can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. Family members serving as executor often waive compensation, particularly when they are also beneficiaries of the estate. Waiving the fee reduces the overall cost of probate and increases the amount available for distribution to beneficiaries.

Georgia requires executors to post a surety bond. The bond requirement can be waived in the will or by court order. The typical annual bond premium is approximately 0.5% of the estate value. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.

An executor in Georgia is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-12 months on average. The 3-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Georgia estate settlement plan outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Georgia probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation. Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. To estimate the attorney fee, use the Georgia probate attorney fee calculator.

Total probate costs in Georgia include executor fees, attorney fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Executor compensation is one component of the overall expense. On a $500,000 estate, the total runs about $41,248 — roughly 8% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Georgia probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

The Georgia statutory schedule for executor compensation is: 5% on amounts above $0. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate. Extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as approved by the court.

Executor Fees in Georgia

Executor fees in Georgia follow a statutory schedule — typically to of the estate value. This gives families predictability when estimating probate costs. The probate calculator includes executor fees in its total cost estimate.

Georgia bond requirement: Yes. The bond is waivable (Yes), often through a provision in the will. The typical bond premium is 0.5% of estate value annually. Bond costs are an additional probate expense beyond executor compensation.

Beyond executor compensation, Georgia probate involves attorney fees (reasonable compensation), court filing fees, and publication costs. The executor is responsible for managing these expenses. See the estate settlement plan for a step-by-step guide to the Georgia probate process.

Simple estates in Georgia typically close in 6 months to 9 months. Executor compensation is usually paid at the close of the estate, though interim fees may be requested for longer administrations.